Introduced early on this year, the M25 is a groundbreaking straight-pull, bolt-action hunting rifle built by Mauser based on a completely new action called "Mauser-Spread-Lock-250" based on an innovative dual-tilting lug locking system that offers 10% more contact surface area compared to the classic Mauser M98 action. As a matter of fact, the locking lugs cover 125° each for a total of 250° of support around the bolt face. But all this is indeed renown and we already discussed this in our Mauser 25 premiere here.
I received a sample of this fine hunting rifle in the Pure configuration with the optional, 12 MOA incline, Picatinny (other interfaces are also available) riflescope "Single-Base-Mount" and the Minox RS4 3-12x56 variable magnification hunting riflescope mounted using standard low rings. It promises to offer the best performance and at the same time be affordable for all hunters.
Out of the box experience is great, however the liberal use of polymers – even the external bolt shroud is plastic – spoils a bit the essence of the rifle itself. The gun lines are extremely elegant, with the sort of Teutonic pragmatism and efficiency that is expected from a legendary brand like Mauser.
The Pure version of the gun features an elegant Walnut Sporter stock with steep pistol grip and straight comb, with a 51-cm cold hammer forged barrel featuring a tough and smooth plasma-oxidized surface finish.
The muzzle is threaded (M15x1), protected with a flush fitting thread ring, and sports a diameter of 17 mm with recessed crown.
The available calibers of this rifle include .243 Win., 6,5 Creedmoor, .30-06 Spring., 7mm Rem. Mag. and .300 Win. Mag. – however, the gun I am testing today is chambered in the classic .308 Winchester.
But let’s talk about the action – that, spoiler alert, is indeed groundbreaking in its use in a bolt action rifle and amazing in its simplicity, strength, reliability and smoothness of operation.
However, the concept is not new. The locking system is reminiscent of how a Kjellman-style flapper locking system works.
Variations of this locking system, and specifically single-lug tilting lock mechanism have been used in pump action shotguns for ages (i.e. the Remington 17 and the vastly successful 870); Mauser implemented the lock with two tilting blocks that are forced apart ("spread") by a wedge into their locking position, with their opposing lugs seating inside a barrel extension.
The wedge is operated by the tilting handle, with an extremely limited arc travel for unlocking the bolt, which also contributes to the impressive cycling speed the action is capable of. The bolt handle is straight and ends in a round, textured polymer ball. No iron sights are available on the gun.
A special mention is deserved by the trigger, as the gun is not striker fired, but uses a firing pin and single action hammer; this solution allows for an extremely compact and light bolt assembly, and also for smoothness of operation, as the hammer is cocked on the rearward travel and not in the forward travel as is the case with a striker.
The trigger is adjustable between 700 and 1,700 g, and I found the factory setting, breaking at about 1,250 g, a little too light for driven hunts but good for medium ranges where shooting sticks or tripods are used.
The gun does not have a shrouded receiver, as the whole bolt travels on rails, so it opens completely just like a Blaser action does. The way the gun is built makes it extremely easy to have left-handed versions, and indeed they are available at no extra charge.
The Walnut Sporter wood stock feels good in the hand, has a nice grain and features a matte deep oil-like finish. It has a recoil absorbing rubber buttstock and laser etched checkering; only two sling studs are available. The trigger guard and bottom metal… is not metal but quality polymer, as is the proprietary, three-round capacity single stack magazine which integrates the releasing buttons. Even the elevator in the magazine is plastic. Five round mags are available as options.
Testing the Mauser M25 straight-pull rifle
I tested the M25 rifle fitted with a variable magnification Minox RS4 3-12x56 riflescope with BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) turrets, that is a very good choice of glass for this gun: it uses a second focal plane German 4 reticle with a red dot in the center and is quite a deal at less than 1,000 euro street price. Of course, the optional Picatinny "Single-Base-Mount" and rings need to be factored in the total price.
The open air range where I tested the gun offers distances up to 200 m, at which the M25 had no problem keeping well below 1 MOA groups with Geco Target HP 168 grain training ammunition, and better with good RWS hunting ammo. Check the live fire groups in the images! As for functionality and ergonomics, the M25 surprised me – this is possibly the fastest pure manual bolt-action rifle I’ve ever shot.
The smoothness of the action, the pure speed – must be experienced. Having a hammer-fired trigger means no slowdown pushing the round in the chamber to arm the striker, it’s almost as if the bolt locks by itself into the action. I am thoroughly impressed.
The trigger is smooth, with great feedback and precise in release.
The safety cursor on the action’s rear behind the bolt is very silent and has only two positions but features a small button that pops up to allow the opening of the bolt and removal of the round from the chamber even when the safety is engaged. This is called "tip-to-open" safety function by Mauser.
Recoil is not harsh, very controllable and follow up is immediate; cycling is always perfect, and extraction is smooth with perfect spent cases that fall to the feet of the hunter for easy retrieval. Ejection is taken care of by two springs that get into contact with the head of the cartridge case directly.
I must appreciate the speed with which the gun points to the target, considering that the stock is a trade off in terms of measurements and not fitted to me. The M25 naturally comes up form the ready position with the eye on the crosshairs, and follows smoothly game and running boar targets alike.
The Pure version of the M25 from Mauser has an MSRP of 1,849 euro; to this another 175 euro or so need to be added for the Picatinny rail. Final prices may vary depending on the local taxes around the EU.
However, the package deal for the tested hunting rifle configuration including the mount, Minox glass and rings at around 3,000 euro street price is really hard to beat. My verdict is final: absolutely recommended.
For more information visit the Mauser website.
